Harrison Armstrong exit shock at Everton, 'bargain' deal on the cards
Everton have a top talent on their books in Harrison Armstrong, but they could be set to let him leave this summer.
Armstrong is currently on loan at Championship side Derby County, having moved to the Rams at the end of the January transfer window.
The 18-year-old made his Everton debut under Sean Dyche, and appeared in every Premier League matchday squad for the first half of this season.
Armstrong is clearly rated highly, but he could now leave for a low fee as another Championship side eye up a deal.
Blackburn interested in Armstrong
Armstrong is yet to play a minute under David Moyes, and the Everton manager could now sell the teenager this summer.
Journalist Alan Nixon has now reported in his Patreon that Blackburn Rovers are interested in signing Armstrong from Everton, after his impressive loan spell at Derby.
| Stat | Armstrong |
| Appearances | 11 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
Former Blackburn manager John Eustace is now managing Armstrong at Derby, but his former side now want younger players, with the midfielder identified as a key target.
It is claimed that Blackburn are keen on signing talents such as Armstrong on loans or for bargain fees, and they are likely to make a move for the Everton starlet.
Everton should loan Armstrong out
Armstrong needs gametime to develop, and a full season on loan in the Championship could be hugely beneficial for him.
Should Everton loan him out for the season, he could then return in a year as a much more accomplished player and slot straight into the first team.
Armstrong has made six senior appearances for Everton, but fans will be frustrated if he is let go permanently without the opportunity to add to these.
The 18-year-old's contract runs until 2028, and Everton should therefore be in no rush to sell him, and Blackburn will likely accept a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer for their target.
Everton have successfully integrated Jarrad Branthwaite into the first-team after a series of impressive loans, and if Armstrong is given the opportunity to do so, he could follow in his footsteps in graduating from academy to first-team once he gains more experience.